Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Traction Principles and Application Flashcards
7 cards from real OTC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Traction Principles and Application flashcards as text
Which neurovascular check finding warrants IMMEDIATE notification of the supervising physician in a patient in traction?
Answer: Absent distal pulse with paresthesia
Absent distal pulse combined with paresthesia indicates vascular compromise or compartment syndrome and is a surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Pin site care for skeletal traction typically includes:
Answer: Cleaning with prescribed solution and monitoring for signs of infection
Pin sites require routine cleaning with an approved solution (e.g., chlorhexidine or normal saline) and monitoring for erythema, drainage, or loosening.
A patient in traction reports burning and itching under the foam boot. The FIRST action should be to:
Answer: Remove the boot, inspect the skin, and reapply if intact
Burning and itching suggest skin irritation or early breakdown; the boot must be removed for skin inspection before any further intervention.
Which complication is most unique to skeletal traction compared to skin traction?
Answer: Osteomyelitis from pin tract infection
Pin tract infection leading to osteomyelitis is a risk specific to skeletal traction because the pin breaches the skin and cortex, providing a pathway for bacteria.
To monitor for foot drop in a patient in lower extremity traction, the technologist assesses:
Answer: Ability to dorsiflex the foot against resistance
Foot drop results from peroneal nerve injury; assessment of dorsiflexion strength is the primary functional test for this complication.
When repositioning a patient in skeletal traction, which of the following is essential?
Answer: Maintaining the prescribed traction force throughout the repositioning
Traction force must be maintained continuously during repositioning to prevent fracture displacement and loss of reduction.
What is the recommended frequency for neurovascular checks in a newly admitted traction patient?
Answer: Every hour for the first 24 hours
Newly applied traction demands hourly neurovascular checks for the first 24 hours to detect early vascular compromise or compartment syndrome.